Steering/Acceleration problem

[dubjones]

Good Morning Everyone,

I have a 2000 S80 t6, 120k. Had the trans replaced at 90k, and did the drivers side CV/axle assembly at 115k.

Here is my issue:
When driving anywhere from about 40-80mph, and turning right (only), and only when under acceleration (or maintaining speed, but not when coasting) the car "jumps" to the right fairly hard. There is a significant "jerk" in the car and steering wheel, and is at the level of scary for sure. Significant enough that I have heard a tire bark a bit. It happens every time, not intermittent at all. Just drove it 1,300 miles back to Oregon with this problem.

I hadn't driven the car in about 3 months as I was working away from home. I did leave it with a friend, who did not "drive" it, although did back it out of the garage "once or twice." I don't see any "damage" such as a curbed wheel, or a scuff on the tire.... so I don't know what the onset of the problem was.

When coasting, no issue what so ever.
Turning left, or going straight, (with or without acceleration) no issue.
ONLY happens with acceleration and turning right.

It isn't the standard torque from acceleration, or a slight pull, it is a serious jump.

Example:
If I were to be going uphill, in a right hand curve... if I coast through it, there would be nothing... if I touch (and I mean just touch, the gas) the car feels like it jumps right, the DTSC light flashes, I let off the gas, and straighten out. A passenger would think you just "jerked" the wheel to the right... If... and I mean IF... you kept your foot on the gas it will continue to jump right, then bounce left as it corrects... bounce... bounce... bounce. I say IF, because the first time it happened I thought I maybe had hit an uneven spot in the pavement and didn't let off the gas until the second one.

So far:
I have been under the car, both with the front end in the air, and with it on the ground. All the ball joints/bushings etc seem great. The only place I can see anything is the outer CV boot on the passenger side, which is cracked. I can't seem to find anything that is loose, nor can I notice anything obvious.

My first thought was that it was the outer CV, and it may be... but, the "usual" symptoms (from my other cars) aren't there. Things like, a very tight turn at low speeds... reveal no clunk... can't "shake" the CV joint itself etc...

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[537playing]

I also had that jumping felling when turning right. It was the bushings that were bad. Raise the car and then grasp the wheel. I had excessive movement when grasping the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position and shaking it.
I had the bushings and struts replaced and the ride improved tremendously.

Hope this helps.

[dubjones]

FIXED!

Turned out to be the spindle ball joint... just came loose a bit. I tightened it down and it solved the problem. It appears a bit worn, so I have ordered a replacement.

Thankyou for your help and suggestions.